InfoSAWIT, ACEH UTARA — Tensions are rising once again in Paya Bakong Subdistrict, North Aceh Regency, as farmers from Alue Lhok and Buket Pidie villages seek support from the Palm Oil Farmers Union (SPKS) of Aceh following a formal eviction notice issued by plantation company PT Bapco.
The farmers met with SPKS Aceh Chairman Abubakar AR on Wednesday, June 25, 2025. Representatives Abdul Manaf and Sopyan from Alue Lhok, along with M. Ali from Buket Pidie, voiced their concerns regarding the legal summons sent by PT Bapco on May 8, 2025. The letter ordered the farmers to vacate the land they have been cultivating, giving them only 14 days to comply.
According to Abdul Manaf, the land in question has been left abandoned for over 25 years, despite PT Bapco having held the plantation business license (HGU) since 1985.
"We have been cultivating land that was long neglected by the company. We planted areca nut, cocoa, banana, and other crops to support our families. But now we’re being threatened with eviction and treated like criminals," said Manaf during the meeting.
The farmers submitted both verbal and written requests for legal assistance from SPKS Aceh to help resist the eviction and defend their right to the land.
SPKS Aceh Chairman Abubakar AR acknowledged that similar disputes between plantation companies and local communities are common across Indonesia. He affirmed SPKS’s commitment to provide advocacy and legal support for the farmers of Alue Lhok and Buket Pidie, expressing deep concern over the situation.
"SPKS fully supports the people's fight to defend the land they have cultivated for decades. This is also part of our duty under the Asta Cita vision of President and Vice President Prabowo-Gibran, particularly in the areas of food security and bioenergy," Abubakar stated in an official statement to InfoSAWIT Sumatera on Thursday, June 26, 2025.
Abubakar also highlighted the legal obligation of plantation companies as outlined in Law No. 39/2014 on Plantations, which mandates that companies holding HGU must facilitate the development of smallholder plantations for surrounding communities — at least 20% of the total concession area.
"We question whether PT Bapco has fulfilled this obligation. If not, it constitutes a serious violation. The company can be sanctioned by the state," he added.
He further referred to the circular issued by the Directorate General of Plantations on January 8, 2025, which reaffirms the obligation to fulfill the facilitation of smallholder plantation development (FPKMS). The directive was addressed to all regional governments, land and forestry agencies, as well as all plantation companies in Indonesia.
"FPKMS is mandatory, especially if it has been more than three years since the HGU was granted. This is a state-imposed obligation and must be enforced," Abubakar emphasized.
Now, the farmers of Alue Lhok and Buket Pidie hope their struggle will receive serious attention from local government officials and relevant institutions. They fear losing the land that has sustained their families for decades—especially if no fair and community-centered solution is offered. (T2)
